DOVER (Dec. 10, 2021) – On Thursday, Dec. 9,  2021, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) ordered a Millsboro man to cease tattooing activities in his home, in violation of Title 16 of the Delaware Code. Body art activities should only be performed in DPH-permitted facilities. Private residences are not properly equipped for these activities to be performed safely.

DPH Health Systems Protection staff issued a Cease and Desist Order to Miguel Angel Garcia of 102 Nicoles Court in Millsboro, for conducting tattooing activities out of his residence without a required body art establishment permit.

The unregulated tattoo parlor kept no client records and, as a result, DPH cannot follow the normal protocol of contacting individuals by letter to ask them to seek medical testing. DPH is informing the public through press release and social media. DPH encourages anyone who may have received tattooing or other body art services at this location to contact their health care provider for evaluation for diseases such as hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that may have been transmitted through the equipment. Tell the doctor about receiving a tattoo or piercing from an unregulated establishment, when it occurred, and any symptoms since the visit.

Body art establishments regulated by DPH are inspected and must meet requirements for sanitation, proper disposal of needles, use of gloves, and many other items. Before getting any kind of body art done, individuals should always insist on seeing the Public Health permit, which is required to be posted in an obvious location.

Delawareans served by the illegal operation can also contact the DPH Bureau of Communicable Diseases at 302-744-1050 if they have questions about potential transmission risks

When in doubt, DPH recommends seeking testing for HIV and hepatitis. It is possible to carry these viruses for years without knowing it due to lack of symptoms, and, even if the virus cannot be traced to the closed tattoo parlor, knowing one’s HIV and hepatitis status can help get treatment and prevent further spread of these viruses. To learn more about free testing options in your area, visit https://gettested.cdc.gov/.

DOVER (Dec. 10, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Georgetown residents who live or spend time in the vicinity of West Robbins Road and South Old State Road of a positive case of rabies in a raccoon that potentially exposed two dogs to the virus recently. The raccoon was tested for rabies and the results were positive. There is currently no known exposure to humans.

Anyone who thinks they may have been bitten, scratched, or come in contact with a raccoon in this area should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Anyone in the area who thinks a raccoon might have bitten their pet should call their private veterinarian for examination, treatment, and to report the exposure to Delaware Department of Agriculture.

Rabies is a preventable disease. DPH recommends that individuals take the following steps to prevent rabies exposure:

• All dogs, cats, and ferrets 6 months of age and older are required by Delaware law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
• Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by keeping them indoors and not letting them roam free. It is especially important for pet owners who do allow their cats to roam outdoors to vaccinate their pets.
• Do not touch or otherwise handle wild or unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.
• Do not keep your pet’s food or water outdoors; bowls can attract wild and stray animals.
• Do not feed feral animals, including cats, as the risk of rabies in wildlife is significant.
• Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight and, thus, reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.
• Keep your garbage securely covered.
• Consider vaccinating livestock and horses, as well. It is recommended to consult with your private veterinarian if you have any questions regarding whether your animal(s) should be vaccinated against rabies.

Since Jan. 1, 2021, DPH has performed rabies tests on 185 animals, 19 of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes one dog, one deer, one fox, one cow, two skunks, three cats, six bats, and four raccoons, including this positive case. DPH only announces those rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contacts with additional humans or pets.

In 2020, DPH performed rabies tests on 121 animals, four of which were confirmed to be rabid along with two positive specimens tested out of state, including one raccoon, one bat, and four cats.

Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, or an opening in the skin. Rabies in humans and animals cannot be cured once symptoms appear. Therefore, if a human has been exposed, and the animal is unavailable to be quarantined or tested, DPH recommends that people receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, a series of four vaccinations, as a precautionary measure.

If You Encounter an Animal Behaving Aggressively:

• If you encounter a wild animal behaving aggressively, other than a feral cat or possibly a dog, it is recommended you contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a private nuisance wildlife control operator. A listing of nuisance wildlife control operators can be found at https://wildlifehelp.org/. Calls after hours and on weekends can be made to the 24-hour dispatch number at 800-523-3336.
• Do not throw items at the animal or make loud banging noises, which may startle the animal and cause it to attack. Instead, your initial response – if the animal is behaving in an aggressive manner or appears to be foaming at the mouth – should be to raise your hands above your head to make yourself appear larger to the animal while slowly backing away from it. If the animal starts coming toward you, raise your voice and yell sternly at it, “Get away!” If all that fails, use any means to protect yourself including throwing an object at the animal or trying to keep it away by using a long stick, shovel, or fishing pole.
• If you encounter a stray or feral domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, behaving aggressively, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

If You Encounter a Sick or Injured Animal:

• To report a sick or hurt wild animal, Delaware residents are asked to contact the DNREC’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a permitted volunteer wildlife rehabilitator.
• If you encounter a sick stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995. For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

DOVER, DE (NOV. 26, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021.

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 152,165
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 380.6, an increase from 329.6 last week
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 7.1%, a decrease from 7.4% last week
• Hospitalizations: 159, a decrease of four from last week; critically ill: 18, a decrease of three from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,173
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 19, including eight from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,395,975
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 75.6%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 82.1%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 84%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 60.9%

Delawareans who are fully vaccinated have significant protection from COVID-19 infection, serious illness and death. All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report: 

The following report captures a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Nov. 15 – Nov. 21. The report highlights the significant percentage of unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated individuals comprising Delaware’s cases and hospitalizations.

Weekly Overview (11/15 -11/21)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	1838
Total Cases	2496
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	74%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	71
Total Hospitalized Cases	103
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	69%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	6
Total COVID-19 Deaths	10
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	60%

 

 Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began):

• Total breakthrough cases: 7,122 or 1.3% of fully vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 125
• Total breakthrough deaths: 92

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more – although it does not mean that the infection occurred after vaccination.

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware: 

Due to a technical issue, data regarding routine sequencing and variant positive samples is unavailable this week. Data for this week will be included in next week’s update.

DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Mobile Units:

DPH officials in partnership with medical staff from the Delaware National Guard (DNG) have mobile units that offer COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities.

The mobile units, which utilize trailers to transport the vaccine and provide vaccinations, are scheduled to visit these communities in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. COVID-19 testing will be available at each location. The mobile units in New Castle County will travel through specific neighborhoods and a community intervention team will canvas door to door to offer vaccination and testing services to residents.

Monday, Nov. 29

Wilmington’s East Side neighborhood, starting at 10th and Bennett streets, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Philadelphia Pentecostal Holiness Church, 13724 S. Old State Road, Ellendale, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 30

DeLaWarr State Service Center, 500 Rogers Road, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Laurel State Service Center, 31039 North Poplar St., Laurel, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 1
Wilmington’s North Side neighborhood, starting at North Claymont Street, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Service General Laundromat, 801 Norman Eskridge Hwy., Seaford, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Royal Farms, 10722 Georgetown Road, Laurel, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Magnolia Crossing, 79 McKinley Circle, Magnolia, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Calvary Baptist Church, 410 Fulton St., Dover, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 2

Appoquinimink State Service Center, 122 Silver Lake Road, Middletown, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Laurel State Service Center, 31039 North Poplar St., Laurel, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Burlington store, 515 N. Dupont Hwy., Suite 100, Dover, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Eagle Meadows Apartments, 4666 Carolina Ave., Dover, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 3

Wilmington’s Browntown/Hedgeville neighborhood, starting at Lower Oak and Maryland Avenue, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

*dates may be rescheduled if there is inclement weather

For a full list of community-based events statewide including those organized by vaccinating partners and community groups at de.gov/getmyvaccine.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 25, there have been a total of 2,973 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 865 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Resources:

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Samples Show Ion Exchange Treatment Reduces PFAS Concentrations

Results from samples taken from the water system serving residents of the Bethany Crest community near Millville returned test results that were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Health Advisory Level (HAL) of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFAS in drinking water. Residents may resume normal use of the water, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today.

Following a sampling that found the source water from Bethany Crest water system (before treatment) was near or at the HAL, DNREC and DPH acted quickly to sample the finished drinking water (after treatment) going to residents.

Samples taken by DNREC showed that an ion exchange treatment that had already been in place for the Bethany Crest water system had been successful in removing PFAS from the community’s drinking water. Out of an abundance of caution, DPH had advised Bethany Crest residents to use bottled water provided by the water system owner for drinking and cooking while the finished water samples were being tested.

Testing results from an Oct. 23 sampling for PFAS in the Bethany Crest water system showed that the ion exchange treatment had removed PFAS to significantly below the health advisory level of 70 ppt. The results also indicated that while other wells and public water in the area sampled within a one-mile radius of Bethany Crest showed PFAS detections, all were below the EPA health advisory level.

Bethany Crest is a manufactured housing community with a small water system serving approximately 50 homes. The sampling of source water was collected as part of a proactive screening of public water sources throughout the state being conducted by DNREC.

DPH is continuing to work with the system owner to identify long-term strategies that can be implemented to ensure the risk to residents does not increase in the future.

Meanwhile, DNREC’s Remediation section conducted an assessment to identify potential sources of the contamination, and DNREC will open an investigation immediately into locating the source or sources of the PFAS detected in the Bethany Crest water system.

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in industry and consumer products. Due to their extensive use in these products over time, PFAS are found in people, wildlife, and fish and are known as “forever chemicals” because some PFAS can stay in people’s bodies a long time and cause health problems with long-term exposure.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

DNREC: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov, DPH: Andrea Wojcik, andrea.wojcik@delaware.gov

###

DOVER (Nov. 5, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 145,330
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 250.6, a decrease from 265.9 last week
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 6.0%, a decrease from 6.2% last week
• Hospitalizations: 154, a decrease of 6 from last week; Critically ill: 24, a decrease of two from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,115
• Total COVID-19 deaths since last week: 26 (including 11 from a review of vital statistic reports)

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,292,625
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 80.6%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 82.4%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC Data): 60.1%

Delawareans who are fully vaccinated have significant protection from COVID-19 infection, serious illness and death. All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit [de.gov/getmyvaccine]de.gov/getmyvaccine. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

Vaccines Now Available for Children Ages 5-11:

DPH announced earlier this week that Delaware’s vaccine providers can begin administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 pediatric vaccine to children ages 5 to 11. Parents or guardians are encouraged to first contact their child’s pediatrician to see if they are administering the vaccine. Vaccines will also be available at Federally Qualified Health Centers (for patients; Westside Family Healthcare is offering vaccinations to non-patients as well), and standing DPH vaccine sites. Additionally, vaccines will be available to patients of pediatric health care providers and a limited number of large chain pharmacies initially until vaccine supply opens up. DPH recommends parents check pharmacy websites for scheduling options and availability before going.

DPH has extended operating hours at its standing vaccine sites from Nov. 8 – Nov. 19, to make vaccinations more convenient and accessible for working families. The following COVID-19 vaccination sites will be open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.:

• Blue Hen Corporate Center: 655 S. Bay Road, Dover, DE 1990,
• Georgetown Plaza: 19 Georgetown Plaza, Georgetown, DE 19947
• Canby Park: 1920 Maryland Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805
• University Plaza, 256 Chapman Road, Suite 100, Newark, DE 19702

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report: 

The following report captures a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Oct. 25 – Oct. 31. The report highlights the significant percentage of unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated individuals comprising Delaware’s cases and hospitalizations.

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began):

• Total breakthrough cases: 5,882 or 1.1% of vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 111
• Total breakthrough deaths: 83

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more – although it does not mean that the infection occurred after vaccination.

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware: 

In the last week, 138 test samples were sequenced through routine surveillance of test specimens. Of those test samples, 85 (61.6%) sequenced at the DPH Lab were positive for a variant strain, as were 51 additional specimens sequenced at an outside lab. Out of the 136 variant positive samples, all were identified as the Delta strain.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the classifications of known COVID-19 variants. Currently, the Delta variant is the only variant being monitored by the CDC as a “variant of concern” and no other variants are currently classified as “variants of interest.” For more information regarding CDC variant classifications, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html.

DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Mobile Units:

DPH officials in partnership with medical staff from the Delaware National Guard (DNG) have mobile units that offer COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities. The flu vaccine will also be available and can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

The mobile units, which utilize trailers to transport the vaccine and provide vaccinations, are scheduled to visit these communities in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties next week. COVID-19 testing will be available at each location.

Monday, November 8

Burlington Coat Factory, 515 N. DuPont Hwy., Dover, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Shoppes at Hamlet, 1059 Walker Road, Dover, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Edna Dickey Park, 60 Madison Drive, Newark, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Thurman Adams State Service Center, 544 S. Bedford St., Georgetown, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 9

Spence’s Bazaar, 550 S. New St., Dover, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00  p.m.

Wawa, 102 E. DuPont Hwy., Millsboro, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Royal Farms, 26672 John J Williams Hwy., Millsboro, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Dollar Tree (Riverside location), 2400 Northeast Blvd., Wilmington, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 10
Wawa, 200 East St., Camden, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Country Farm, 1014 S. Little Creek Road, Dover, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Laurel Town Hall, 201 Mechanic St., Laurel, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Goodwill Center, 300 East Lea Blvd., Wilmington, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Adams Four Shopping Center, 800 West 3rd St., Wilmington, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday, November 12

Carroll’s Plaza, 1114 S. DuPont Hwy., Dover, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Eagle Meadows Apartments, 4666 Carolina Ave., Dover, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Laurel Junction, 10912 County Seat Hwy., Laurel, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Ames Plaza Shopping Center, 800 Norman Eskridge Hwy., Seaford, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry, 2713 Lancaster Ave., Wilmington, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

*dates may be rescheduled if there is inclement weather

For a full list of community-based events statewide including those organized by vaccinating partners and community groups at de.gov/getmyvaccine.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, there have been a total of 2,931 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 861 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Resources:

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.